Welcome to MonTataneTour (MTT) and to your “Venice airport cruise transfer ‘
I’m Sarah (or Miss Tatane 😛), cruise enthusiast and fellow cruiser like you. I’m here to share my experiences and tips so you can make the most of your stopover or embarkation in Venice.
Don’t forget to bookmark us if you’re planning your next cruise! Our MTT site (yours 😉) is updated weekly with new articles and destinations from our travels.
On this page, I’m featuring two of the most budget-friendly partners. You can book with Civitatis 🔴 or GetYourGuide 🔵, depending on your preference. I’ve compared prices for you and selected the best options.
Enjoy reading, have an amazing cruise… and most importantly: make the most of it! ONE LIFE!!!
Venice airport cruise transfer
How to get to Venice cruise port from Marco Polo airport
Just landed at Venice Marco Polo Airport and your cruise is waiting? The question every traveler asks is the same: how to easily arrange your transfer from Venice airport to the cruise port?
The distance between Marco Polo Airport and Venice’s cruise terminal (Marittima) is about 8 miles. Luckily, Venice is very well connected, and you’ll find several options that fit your budget, time, and comfort needs.
👉 In this guide, I’ll show you all available transfer options to get to Venice city center and then to the cruise port. Don’t worry—it’s simple, and I’ll break down each choice from the most budget-friendly to the most comfortable.
Budget friendly transfers
From Venice Marco Polo Airport, several options are available to reach the city center or the cruise port. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest, fastest, or most convenient option with luggage, here’s a clear summary of available transfers. This comparison helps you choose what best suits your budget and needs.
| Transport | ⏱ Duration | 💶 Price | ℹ️ Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATVO bus | 20-25 min | $12 | Direct to Piazzale Roma, departs every 30 min, first departure 4:20 AM. |
| ACTV bus (Line 5 – AeroBus) | 25-30 min | $9 | Stops at Piazzale Roma, economical and frequent. Less comfortable with luggage. |
| Alilaguna Vaporetto | 60-75 min | $21 | Direct service to San Marco, Rialto, etc. +€3 per extra luggage. |
| Water taxi | 20-30 min | ~$129-140 | Private and fast transfer, ideal for families or with lots of luggage. |
💡 Tip: To avoid long lines and scams, you can book your transfer in advance via MTT and our trusted partners.
Comfort & fast transfer options
If you prioritize comfort and speed to reach Venice city center or the cruise port, several premium options are available. Here’s a simple comparison to help you pick the best choice for your needs.
| Transport | ⏱ Duration | 💶 Price | ℹ️ Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared water taxi | 25-35 min | $41–50 / person | Perfect compromise: faster than the vaporetto, cheaper than a private taxi. Quick departures. |
| Private water taxi | 20-30 min | $135–300 (up to 6 people) | Classic Venetian experience. Direct transfer. Ideal for families or groups. |
| Private car transfer | 20-25 min | From $90 (1–4 people) | Comfortable ride to Piazzale Roma, then a quick connection via the People Mover to the cruise terminal. |
Private transfers
Venice airport cruise transfer
Here’s an overview of the different public and private transfers from Venice Marco Polo Airport to the city center or directly to the cruise port.
Whether you’re looking for the most affordable, the fastest, or the most comfortable option, you’ll find the right transfer to fit your budget and needs.
→ If none of the options listed here work for you, you’ll find a full catalog of alternatives at the bottom of this page.
ATVO bus transfers
As mentioned above, the ATVO bus remains one of the simplest and most reliable ways to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice. In just about 20 minutes, it takes you straight into the heart of the Veneto capital. Fast, practical, and budget-friendly—it’s the perfect way to start your cruise stress-free.
When booking, you can choose your stop: Venice Mestre or Piazzale Roma. For the cruise port, Piazzale Roma is the easiest and most convenient. From there, you’re just minutes away from the terminal—ready to embark or check into your hotel if you’re staying overnight.
Bus transfer – Venice airport → City center
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 93 reviews → 1,281 travelers
This bus is the most comfortable way to travel between Venice Marco Polo Airport and the city center. The ride takes only 20 minutes!
Indicative price → $11 USD
Water taxi
Water Taxi Transfer – Venice airport → City center
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 24,089 reviews
Make your arrival in Venice unforgettable with a water taxi transfer straight to your hotel or the nearest accessible point from Venice Airport. Enjoy a scenic ride and your very first breathtaking view of Venice.
Price → $46 USD per person
Taxi – Airport → Cruise terminal
Venice airport cruise transfer
If you’d rather skip the water taxi or bus into the city, this private taxi is a great option: $83 USD for up to 4 people.
It will drop you directly at the cruise terminal—no waiting in line, no extra connections.
Taxi transfer – Venice airport → Cruise port
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 8,625 reviews
Price → $90 USD (up to 4 people)
Water taxi – Group
Group water taxi transfer – Venice airport → City center
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 78 reviews – 2,345 travelers
Book a private water taxi for your group to travel comfortably between Venice Airport and the city center. This service includes pick-up and direct transfer to key locations in Venice.
Indicative Price → $295 USD
How to reach the Venice cruise port
Venice airport cruise transfer
Once you arrive at Piazzale Roma—the main arrival hub for buses, shuttles, and taxis from Venice Marco Polo Airport—it’s very easy to continue on to the Venice Cruise Terminal. Several options are available, from the cheapest to the most comfortable.
The People Mover (recommended)
The Venice People Mover is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Piazzale Roma to the cruise terminal. This is a small, elevated, automated tram that connects Piazzale Roma with Marittima (cruise terminal) and Tronchetto Island.
ℹ️ Practical info
- Travel time: only 2–3 minutes.
- Frequency: every 10 minutes approx.
- Price: $1.60 USD per person (one-way ticket, available at vending machines).
- Accessibility: luggage-friendly and accessible for travelers with reduced mobility.
- Location: the People Mover station is well signposted, right next to Piazzale Roma.
👉 This is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to reach the Venice Cruise Terminal.
Walking to the Venice cruise port
Other possible options
- On foot: about a 20-minute walk (1 mile). Only recommended if you’re traveling light, as the path isn’t very convenient with heavy luggage.
- By taxi: available at Piazzale Roma. Quick 3-minute ride for around $9–11 USD. Perfect if you have lots of luggage or prefer not to walk.
You can walk to the cruise port from Piazzale Roma, about 1 mile (1.6 km). It usually takes 20–25 minutes with luggage. While not the most practical option with suitcases, the walk is straightforward and pleasant.
MTT Conclusion: For most cruise passengers, the People Mover is the #1 choice to reach the Venice Cruise Terminal from Piazzale Roma. Simple, fast, and affordable, it drops you right in front of your terminal in just a few minutes.
Shuttle boat for boarding
When you arrive at the Venice Cruise Port, the excitement of your cruise really begins! Unlike most ports, Venice no longer docks cruise ships directly at the Marghera main quay. After the embarkation check, the cruise line provides complimentary shuttle boats to take you to your ship, which remains anchored offshore.
No worries: the ride takes just 2 minutes and is fully accessible for travelers with reduced mobility (PRM). You’ll board your cabin directly from the water, safely and seamlessly.
Transport pass for Venice and its islands
Venice airport cruise transfer
This tourist card is ideal for those who want to explore Venice and its islands before boarding their cruise. It provides unlimited access to the city’s public transport system:
- Vaporetto boats on the canals of Venice and to the islands (Murano, Burano, Torcello, Lido)
- Urban buses in Mestre and Marghera
Good to know:
- If you’re staying only a few hours in Venice before boarding, this card is not necessary.
- It becomes worthwhile if you’re staying for a full day or more, allowing you to enjoy the city and skip ticket counter lines.
The pass is valid from its first use and for the chosen duration: 75 minutes, 24, 48, 72, or 168 consecutive hours.
Ticket – Transport card
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 1,768 reviews
This tourist card is the best way to get around Venice. You’ll have unlimited access to the Floating City’s transport network: both vaporetti boats and buses.
Indicative price → $11.21
How to avoid scams during your airport transfer
At Venice Marco Polo Airport, some travelers fall victim to abusive practices. Here are a few simple tips to ensure a safe and stress-free journey to the city center or cruise port.
- Book in advance: online booking prevents unpleasant surprises on arrival. You can book your transfers directly on MTT via our trusted partners (Civitatis, GetYourGuide).
- Choose official services: authorized taxis, recognized shuttles, or vaporettos operated by ACTV.
- Check fares: find out in advance to spot any overcharging.
- Ask for a quote: if taking a taxi, agree on the price before getting in.
- Avoid touts: use only official counters and stations.
- Carry small change: helps avoid disputes during payment.
- Read reviews: choose companies with good traveler ratings.
- Stay alert: some drivers may extend the route or claim their meter is “broken.”
- Watch your luggage: always keep your belongings within reach.
→ By following these tips and booking through MTT and its reliable partners, you significantly reduce the risk of scams and ensure a safe, pleasant transfer.
Venice Airport – Cruise port transfers
Upon your arrival in Venice, discover the different options to easily reach the cruise port. Whether you’re looking for a fast, budget-friendly, or comfortable transfer, you’ll find the option that best suits your needs. Each solution is explained simply so you can make your choice with peace of mind.
Popular options for cruise passengers:
- Private taxi – Fast and direct service, ideal for groups or families, with no transfers or waiting time.
- ATVO bus – Budget-friendly transfer from the airport to the cruise terminal or city center.
- Vaporetto / Alilaguna – Scenic water transfer, perfect for enjoying Venice along the way.
- Water taxi – More expensive, but fast and flexible according to your schedule.
- People Mover – Convenient connection between the airport or train station and the cruise port.
Prefer booking with Civitatis? So do we!
Discover all the transfer options they offer for your stopover in Venice.
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MTT wishes you the most wonderful trip to this incredible city!
